Every four years, the World Cup gives us moments we’ll never forget. It’s a celebration of the world’s game that inspires millions globally. What makes these moments so powerful isn’t just what happens on the field, but how long they stay with us after the final whistle.
As we start the FIFA Men’s World Cup, we asked members of the Techne team to share the moments they’ll never forget. Memories, dreams that shaped their playing journeys, stories that remind us that the beautiful game has the power to change lives - whether you’re playing, coaching, or cheering from home!
Share Your Story:
Yael: I remember the last time the men’s World Cup was in the U.S. I was actually on vacation with my family in England and EVERYONE was watching. It was before we knew much about soccer but we were blown away by the passion surrounding the game. Little did we know that the same passion would soon transform my life and our family, as well as soccer in the U.S. Every World Cup since, I have fallen in love with players and teams who are bringing the beautiful game to life on one of the biggest stages in sports.
Winner→France
Hunter: Funny enough, my earliest World Cup memories aren’t watching the games; they are playing the game…and that game was EA Sports’ World Cup 98' on Nintendo 64. My brother and I played for hours and hours pretending to be our favorite superstars playing in the World Cup. That opening jingle still plays in my head…“I get knocked down, but I get up again, you’re never gonna keep me down…”
When the World Cup comes around I think of my brother, of our special bond, of all the hours we spent together competing and having fun, and of our love for the beautiful game.
Winner→Portugal
Brooke: The first Men’s World Cup I remember was the 1982 tournament. Italy won, and every pizza shop in New York had a picture of the starting XI. I asked the guy behind the counter at our pizza place if that was HIS team. He proudly said, “YES!” I squinted and looked for him in the photo but didn’t see him. I quickly learned what he meant. Soccer was his connection to his family and community! It became my connection to community wherever I moved as I got older. Living and working in Europe, Africa, and Haiti, I could always find friends with a ball at my feet.
Winner→France
Sabrina: My first World Cup memory was in 2002. I was 8 years old, and while I didn’t fully understand the magnitude of the tournament at the time, I remember being completely in awe of Brazil’s style of play. Ronaldo and Ronaldinho made the game look SO FUN and cool. It was impossible not to fall in love with soccer while watching them.
That stayed with me because it was the first time I realized how powerful the game could be. The World Cup brought together people from all over the world. Even as a young player, I could feel that soccer was bigger than just the team I was playing on. It connected people around the entire world through a shared passion.
Those moments fueled my desire to keep chasing the game. They helped shape a dream that eventually led me to represent my country, play professionally, and now mentor the next generation of players.
Winner→I’m just looking for an entertaining tournament!!
Billy: Circa December 2022. 30 minutes before 8pm local time and I somehow managed to get a ticket to the big game. It was 8pm, the whistle blew and the ball began rolling. It was a dream come true, I was watching the World Cup Final between Argentina and France in Doha, Qatar featuring one of the footy GOAT's, Lionel Messi. I couldn't believe I was there and every second lived inside Lusail Stadium felt like a dream. Full 90' then OT then PK's, my heart levels were unsteady throughout the game. Argentina, led by Messi, had won the World Cup. I was there to witness it! It was the most surreal experience ever and nothing could top it. I'll carry with me forever.
Winner→Portugal
Molly: I was watching the 1999 Women’s World Cup Final from the edge of the couch at a family friend’s house in New York. I not only would watch the iconic penalty shootout and celebration that day, but that moment would replay in my mind years and decades later. Those players became my idols. I dreamed big, I slapped USWNT posters on my wall, and I wanted to be on that team on the biggest stage. Soccer not only became my passion, but part of my identity and what I love. To this day, World Cup years are special, and bring so much joy and excitement to the game, on and off the field!
Winner→Spain
The World Cup has a way of inspiring the next generation of players. As you watch this summer, remember that every player on the world's biggest stage once started with a ball, a dream, and a love for the game. Take that inspiration into your own soccer journey. Open the Techne app and keep building your skills, one session at a time.
Ready to train this summer? Use the code BLOG (in App Settings > Add a Code) for 10% off your first purchase! Download the Techne App.
